Frequently Asked Questions

Bacteriostatic water is laboratory-grade water containing 0.9% (9 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol, a bacteriostatic preservative that inhibits the growth of most common bacteria. The preservative is what allows a sealed multi-dose vial to be accessed repeatedly. It is supplied for laboratory and research use only.

Bacteriostatic water is water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol (a preservative) for repeated access. Sterile water is preservative-free and intended for a single withdrawal. Bacteriostatic sodium chloride (saline) is isotonic 0.9% salt solution with the same preservative, used as a laboratory diluent.

Because bacteriostatic water contains a preservative, a sealed multi-dose vial can be accessed repeatedly when the stopper is swabbed before each withdrawal and the contents are handled aseptically. Follow your laboratory protocol and the printed expiry date.

No. Preservative-free sterile water has no bacteriostatic agent, so it is intended for a single withdrawal and should not be re-entered.

Store sealed vials at room temperature, away from direct light. Refrigeration is not required. Swab the stopper with alcohol before each withdrawal and keep the vial sealed between uses.

Benzyl alcohol is a preservative used in laboratory solutions. At 0.9% (9 mg/mL) it acts as a bacteriostatic agent, holding bacterial growth in check after the vial's seal is broken — which is what makes the vial multi-dose.

All Aus BAC Supply products are supplied for laboratory and research use only. They are not therapeutic goods and are not for human or veterinary use. You must be 18 or over to purchase.

Standard shipping is $9.99, Express is $14.99, and express is free on orders over $150 (AUD, GST included). Orders placed before 2pm Melbourne time on a business day are dispatched the same business day, shipped Australia-wide from Melbourne.

Yes. We ship within Australia from our Melbourne facility and email tracking once your order is dispatched. We do not currently ship internationally.

We do not accept change-of-mind returns, but your rights under the Australian Consumer Law are not excluded — faulty, damaged or incorrect items are refunded or replaced. See our Shipping & Returns page for full details.

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